. >> reporter: mitt romney and president obama are no strangers to debates. combined participated in dozens of debates over the past two election cycles. a lot is at stake this wednesday in denver. >> i would put medicare and social security in a lock box. >> reporter: in 2000, algore held an 8 point lead over george bush before the first debate. right after his lead vanished, the two were tied at 43. this year, each side is making efforts to lower expectations. this memo obtained, is written by romney advisor, beth meyers, she talks glowingly about the president's debate record, siting where americans declared him the winner over john mccain each time. you make your opponent out to be unbeatable, regardless of what is said, you can declare a victory of sorts. >> how are the candidates getting ready for the weekend? >> reporter: there is going to be a lot of studying going this weekend, mitt romney is going back to boston, actually you might remember he has been getting ready with rob portman, playing the role of president obama and portman took on the task o